Ricky Williams Will Play Again... and He'll Play Well

Talk has been swirling around the NFL concerning the possible return of former Heisman Trophy winner/first-round draft pick/social anxiety disorder sufferer/Pro Bowler/Ayurveda student/Hindu/pothead Ricky Williams.

The NFL, according to a statement from commissioner Roger Goodell on Nov. 14, has already reinstated him and he's set to return to his former team, the Miami Dolphins. He can begin attending team meetings and practicing immediately, but he won't be able to play in an actual game until Week 12, when the Dolphins play at Pittsburgh on Nov. 26. The Dolphins will receive a roster exemption for Williams for up to two weeks when he begins practicing, starting no later than Nov. 19.

Williams has not played in the NFL since the 2005 season, after he was suspended for numerous violations of the league's drug policy. In April 2006, Williams was suspended for his fourth violation of the league's anti-drug policy. He reportedly failed a drug test for a banned substance that was not marijuana. The first three violations for Williams came after he tested positive for marijuana.

So, he's back. The questions now are will the Dolphins want him and will he be effective?

As for the first question, the 0-9 Dolphins should be happy if former Redskins quarterback Doug Williams wants to come back. The Dolphins' season is lost and their star running back, Ronnie Brown, has already been lost for the year. The team needs some kind of spark (pun intended), and Williams could provide it. When he's in playing shape, he's a great running back, plus, he's an enigma that fans want to see. Some want to see him succeed, some want him to fall on his face, but, either way, the return of Williams would bring interest to an otherwise uninteresting, winless team.

But, will he be effective? Well, there's no doubt it will take some time to get his feet under him, but after a few weeks of practice and an actual game or two, Williams should be back on track. Besides, he has a track record of missing time and returning without missing a beat. Despite all his personal quirks and issues, he's an amazing athlete, and talent like that generally doesn't just disappear in a cloud of smoke (again, pun intended).

Only time will tell what will happen, but I, for one, hope that Williams makes a triumphant return. I hate to burst certain naysayers' bubbles, but marijuana isn't really that bad. So the guy likes his pot. So do lots of successful people in various industries and vocations. I'd rather associate, work or be friends with a pothead than a drunk.

But, forget all that. Williams is a good person who made some mistakes and some questionable decisions (like we all have). If he finally has his act together and is ready to resume his professional football career, then let's give him a chance. After all, at least he was never involved in dog fighting.